Meanwhile, the XL Foods beef recall is being highlighted by many as Smith's most recent lost opportunity to send a strong message to Redford's government.

While flipping burgers last week at an event to show solidarity for Alberta's beef producers, Smith offered thoughful comments about the way the recall was handled but was careful not to criticize the province, Journal columnist Graham Thompson points out.

"Remember that this is mainly a federal problem. Where is the provincial government on this, saying we're going to ... set up an inquiry?

"That's what I think Danielle Smith should be calling for, but I think she would be reluctant to do that because of her federal cousins. She is very close to the federal Conservatives," said Brownley.

However, McCormick thinks Smith should have used the recall as a opportunity to call out Redford.

"It is amazing how slow governments were off the mark, but even more amazing that in Alberta you wouldn't be jumping at this new premier," he said. "That is a fumbled opportunity."

In her defence, Smith told the Journal her low-profile as of late is a strategic move to promote individuals in the party; to educate the public on the caucus.

"What happened during the election is we had a couple of candidates make controversial remarks, and that got people thinking well, I know Danielle, and I like a few of the Wildrose policies, but I don't really know who else is running with her," Smith said.

"Do they have enough people that they can form a front bench? Can we hand over the keys to this $41-billion corporation? That was where we ended up losing ground in the last days of the campaign."

Smith is not known to take the back bench when it comes to, well, anything, so her relative silence as of late is not going unnoticed.